WWCode Member, Veteran Shares About Transition Into Tech

Women weren't always permitted to enlist in U.S. military service, but in 1948 President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. The law allowed women to participate in all branches of military service. 

Today, the United States Department of Defense reports that 17.3% (231,741) of the U.S. active duty forces and 24% (171,000) of the National Guard and Reserves are women. 

Many value military service because it cultivates leadership skills such as sound decision-making, dependability, self-discipline, and understanding and accomplishing tasks. Military service also provides enlistees with technical and tactical training, but many veterans have struggled to transition into civilian life due to a lack of support and preparation.

Research has found that 66% of women veterans reported their transition to civilian life was "difficult" or "very difficult," more than half of the respondents felt a loss of connection to their military community and purpose-driven work, as well as financial challenges or income loss. 

Ensuring veterans have the resources needed to find adequate employment is important. A career pivot into tech may be ideal. Companies have found veterans well suited for careers in tech, appreciating their familiarity with cutting-edge technology, quick thinking, analytical minds, and teamwork mentality. 

Chief Petty Officer Nicole Nunes shares how her transition was challenging because she wasn't initially sure about her next steps. She joined the WWCode community, which helped prepare her for a career in cybersecurity. 

Military branch: U.S. Navy

Military title: Chief Petty Officer

Are you currently enlisted or a veteran? 

I am an enlisted Reservist. I was on active duty for ten years as an Intelligence Specialist. I am now in the Navy Reserves out of Devens, MA.

What WWCode Network are you involved in?

I am active in the WWCode Boston Network and WWCode Python technical track.

When did you first get involved with WWCode? 

March of this year. I returned from parental leave and wanted to start getting my new career off the ground. I was hired in September while pregnant and delivered my daughter in December.  

How has WWCode impacted your personal/professional journey? 

It has been nice to take the time out of my day to talk to like-minded women. In my position and at my location, I am one of the handful of women. It has also been a great source of resources and great book ideas. 

Can you share what it has been like transitioning from the military into a career in tech? 

I separated from active duty in December 2020. My first main goal was to transition into Public Relations. I wanted something completely different than what I had been doing in the military. I worked in the Intelligence Community and needed to see what it was like outside that community.

First, I went back to school for PR and had an internship. Because of my experience, it was really hard for me to accept social media almost blindly. Also, at this time, I was going through a very difficult depression because it didn't seem like my transition was going as planned. I ended up stopping my school and looking at what I wanted in a career. 

While in the reserves, I advanced to Chief Petty Officer and had a lot of training. I started a position at the USS Constitution Museum in Boston, MA, from that training. I stayed there until I got pregnant. While trying to prepare for the birth of my first daughter, I wanted something more flexible, with better pay and closer to my house. I applied to my current position as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) at Raytheon BBN Technologies. It was a long shot for me, and I honestly did not expect to hear back, never mind get the job. 

What have been some of the challenges? 

My biggest challenge has been myself. I do not have the technical skills in cyber. I feel like my work takes longer because I research topics I do not understand. I do love sitting in this space of curiosity and learning. On the other hand, I don't give myself the credit I deserve. Because of that, I am constantly on the hunt for training and guidance. Raytheon BBN Technologies gives me the space and ability to grow into this position and learn every day. I credit my organization for taking a chance on me and giving me the space to learn about cybersecurity. I never feel looked down on or different. Everyone takes the time to explain things when I ask and conduct training for me. 

What has helped? 

WWCode has helped my confidence to connect with other women who are going through the same thing. It feels like a safe space to ask questions and learn. Raytheon has helped me by providing training and mentorship. Also, my leadership has been great in helping me grow and learn in cybersecurity. 

WWCode provides free resources like daily events, on-demand educational training, a job board, scholarship opportunities, and more to empower diverse technologists, including veterans, to excel in their tech careers. There are several ways to get involved – join a Network or Technical Track, volunteer in the community, or donate to help continue our mission.